Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:
The City of Chicago is suing Fire Department Coffee, a Rockford-based coffee company, for trademark infringement, claiming the company’s logo is an imitation of the Chicago Fire Department’s symbol.
Both feature logos that consist of the letters D, F, and C intertwined in a stylized monogram, which is likely to confuse consumers into thinking the city has endorsed or sponsored the business, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday. The lawsuit also alleges that the company was aware of the fire department’s logo and created a similar symbol “because it concluded that using a mark similar to the CFD mark would greatly enhance the sale of goods” and the business’ success.
According to the lawsuit, the city first used the CFD mark in commerce as early as Jan. 1, 1949, and features the logo on ambulances, trucks, and uniforms. The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a trademark registration for the CFD symbol in 2006 and erroneously issued a trademark registration for Fire Department Coffee’s symbol in 2019, according to the suit. The company features the mark on mugs, clothing, and other items for sale online. According to the lawsuit, the company ignored a cease and desist letter sent by the city in April 2019 and continued using the mark on its merchandise.
According to its website, the company is run by firefighters and “10% of proceeds from every order goes towards supporting ill or injured firefighters…”
“Fire Department Coffee pursued all of the correct legal channels and secured an approved, registered trademark for our current Fire Department Coffee logo,” the company said in a statement. “Our company, which is founded and operated by firefighters, is reflected in our logo, a style that is used by fire departments across the nation.”
The suit seeks an order preventing the company from using its logo or any similar one and another directing the USPTO to cancel the company’s trademark registration.
#1 by Bill on February 5, 2020 - 10:09 AM
Maybe I could understand the suit had someone used the trademark to sell mattresses or bedding but coffee, get a life guys and girls it’s coffee, Simply shows what little some city employees have to do all day.
#2 by FirehouseDecals on February 2, 2020 - 11:20 AM
I had first hand experience with the City of New York, they keep a close watch on the unlicensed use of F.D.N.Y. and their logo. They do the same for the N.Y.P.D. and other city departments.
The City of Chicago has not made infringement on the CFD scramble a priority up to now, not sure why decided to pursue it.
The issue should be with the Trademark & Patent Office only not Fire Department Coffee, they followed the process correctly…
#3 by Chuck on February 2, 2020 - 2:39 AM
You want to see hawks on trademark infringement, try doing anything remotely FDNY without their permission. It would make this look likes small claims court.
#4 by Austin on February 1, 2020 - 6:44 PM
I wonder how much the CFD is actually involved in this. It never says they are, just the city. It is probably just the legal department looking for copyright violations. So I would say doesn’t the city of Chicago have more pressing issues? Either way it shouldn’t be a pressing issue for anyone.
#5 by Barry on February 1, 2020 - 4:08 PM
According to a trademark search, Chicago Food Department Co. owns “some” rights to the logo. It looks identical to the CFD monogram on its website. http://www.chicagofooddepartment.com
#6 by MABAS 21 on February 1, 2020 - 11:25 AM
Ok, so what about fire departments in other states that utilize a similar intertwined CFD logo? I believe Columbia, MO and Conroe, TX use it. Is Chicago going to sue them too? Like Joe Smith stated, doesn’t Chicago Fire Department have more important things to worry about?
#7 by crabbymilton on February 1, 2020 - 8:15 AM
Yeah is CFD selling something that requires a trademark? CFD ought to consider it an honor perhaps if the coffee company would acknowledge use it to pay tribute to the CFD.
#8 by Chuck on February 1, 2020 - 12:58 AM
The Chicago Fire Department was (or is,) incorrect in claiming ownership rights to the intertwined CFD trademark. That trademark was actually owned at one point by the late Ken Falk, who ran the canteen service for the Salvation Army back in the ’80s and early ’90s. AND, I had actually brought it to the attention of the coffee company when they started using the logo and got essentially the same answer.
#9 by Joe Smith on January 31, 2020 - 5:24 PM
It’s sure good to know that CFD (the fire department) doesn’t have more pressing issues and is able to focus it’s resources on this type of litigation.